No criminal charges expected in death of child

GLOVERSVILLE – No criminal charges are expected to be filed against the driver of a pickup truck that struck and killed a 9-year-old boy on a bicycle near East Pine Street and Bloomingdale Avenue, city police said today.

Police on Tuesday identified the boy as Johnathan Blaney.

The driver was 49-year-old Brian Wilson of Gloversville, who was not injured in the accident, police said.

The boy was struck by the vehicle while riding his bike around 5:30 p.m. near his home, officials said.

Police Chief Donald VanDeusen said today his department still is investigating the accident. He said it’s possible Wilson still could be cited with a traffic infraction.

Wilson stopped at a stop sign on Bloomingdale Avenue and turned left onto East Pine Street just before the accident occurred, VanDeusen said.

VanDeusen said Wilson was neither speeding nor impaired.

“There is no indication there was any alcohol or illegal substances or any egregious actions by Mr. Wilson,” Capt. John Sira said Tuesday.

Wilson was at a complete stop at the intersection and drove fewer than 15 feet before hitting the boy, VanDeusen said. Wilson then stopped after realizing what happened, the chief said.

VanDeusen said no witness accounts have revealed how the boy got in the path of the truck.

He said officials are still investigating the scene and reviewing witnesses’ statements.

Sira said today autopsy results on the child revealed he died from trauma to the chest.

Sira said the department will not release the addresses of either the boy or the motorist.

Sira said the boy went under the tires of the vehicle. He said the boy died from his injuries en route to St. Mary’s Hospital in Amsterdam.

Johnathan, who was a third-grader at Boulevard Elementary School, was described by school Principal Thomas Komp as full of energy and well known around the building by faculty, staff and students.

“He was a great kid,” Komp said.

The school sent a letter home with students to parents. District officials will be available to provide support to those who are grieving, district officials said in a news release. The district has activated its crisis intervention team, composed of counselors from throughout the school district and Fulton County. The team will monitor student reaction and help students who may need additional support and services to cope with the tragedy.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to the family and all those who knew, loved and/or taught this very special young man,” Superintendent Michael Vanyo said in the news release.